Online ministry is not about replacing pastors or churches. It's about inviting and serving new and expanding ministries. Here are some creative resources for stretching the way we think about internet ministries:
"CyberFaith: How Americans Pursue Religion Online," Pew Internet and American Life. This report takes an in-depth look at faith online.
eMinistry, Andrew Careaga. This book looks at how technology can be used to reach the 'Net Generation' - people ages 16 to 25.
Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City, Ohio, has built online communities on its website that are geared toward local church ministries. The communities include active message boards for Web ministers.
Donated computers could be used by congregations. For example, a Buddy Program could pair younger kids with older folks for teaching, play and service. In one situation, a woman who didn't use computers needed access to an Heir Apparent Legal Form. In almost no time at all and no cost, a younger friend sat with her at a computer and found and printed a copy of the form.
Communication tools from UMCOM offer many ideas and resources for web ministry.